The IAPCO annual award, recognising individual contributions to the Meetings and Events industry, was announced at the association’s AM&GA in Jerusalem.

International Conference Services (ICS) Department Head of Projects & Operations Management, Yoke Chun Cheong was announced as the winner of The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) Hero Award 2022 at the Association’s Annual Meeting and General Assembly (AM&GA) held between 6–9 February in Jerusalem.

The IAPCO Hero Award is one of three unique Driving Excellence Awards given by IAPCO every year for which the association seeks nominations from across its member community. The winner of the Hero Award is picked from the nominations by a colleague, a client, or a supplier from any team member within an IAPCO PCO company. 

Supported by IAPCO Destination Partners, the Hero Award recognises a team member who has gone above and beyond during a calendar year, shown an aptitude for meeting industry advancement, and made significant contributions from their position.

As the Department Head for the Project Management and Operations Team, Yoke Chun Cheong manages the staff for both ICS’s Singapore office departments, overseeing the implementation and execution of departmental procedures and processes, and is responsible for training and onboarding new team members.

On winning the IAPCO Hero Award, Yoke Chun Cheong said: “Winning this award is both a surprise and a great honour. It is a surprise as I feel there is still much to learn in my leadership journey. I am also honoured to be recognised for my effort and humbled by the validation from peers and colleagues that I am doing something right.”

Yoke Chun Cheong has worked as a DMC, adjunct lecturer for Hospitality Studies and a freelance tour guide for most of her 25-year career and was one of two employees who joined ICS Singapore in 2019. Yoke was promoted to the Head of the Department in January 2022.